A Historical Tour

This weekend we drove downtown to visit the Indiana History Museum.  I know that doesn't sound like the most entertaining way to spend the day.  Are you asking yourselves, "How in the world were they able to talk the girls into spending the entire afternoon at the history museum?"

Well... add some amazing neighbors and over 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the girls were all in!

The museum was beautifully decorated for Christmas - the trees unbelievable! The themes were wide-ranged: food, sports teams, circus, books, and much more.

Jen and I were busy checking out some trees when we turned the corner and saw this:

This was an interactive Super Mario Bros. tree.  Ryan couldn't resist taking his hand at the classic video game. Such a kid at heart!

The kids were also asked to join in some Christmas carols.  They all happily obliged, except Sullivan.  She was too shy to step in front of the mic!

Sullivan might have been too shy to step in front of the mic, but she was all smiles and energy when she found this sign...

The kids got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus....

But the highlight of their trip to the museum might have been this...

It's kind of hard to tell because they are blocking the infamous lamp, but one tree (and area around it) was the Christmas Story theme - the lamp, the fireplace, the BB gun, and obviously the pink rabbit suit that Ralphie gets for Christmas.

I think my little rabbits are cuter than Ralphie was in his PJs...

While it doesn't sound like a glamorous way to spend the afternoon, all of us were MORE than surprised and pleased by the museum.  We didn't cover nearly everything that it had to offer and can't wait to go back again in the near future.  Chalk it up for a successful and fun afternoon!

Santa

The developer of our neighborhood was kind enough to bring Santa to our neighborhood again this year.  Last year was the best - authentic Santa, no lines!  So when we knew he was coming again, we were all in!  

Except.  Except Quinn was not so in this year.  (Sigh).  She was afraid she was going to see someone she knew.  But after she realized that the neighborhood Santa sighting wasn't probably going to have high traffic she changed her mind and was ready to see him.  (Yay!)

We went to visit Santa and there was absolutely no wait.  Not a single soul waiting to see the Jolly Old Fella.  Thank goodness for Quinn!

Sullivan asked Santa for Legos and Converse Shoes.

Quinn asked Santa for Legos and Ugg Boots.

My two babies with Mr. Claus...

It was so great to see Santa.  We look forward to his visit in a handful of days!

Career Day...

It was 'career day' at Sullivan's school on Friday.  They were allowed to dress up as their future profession of choice.

May I present to you, Miss Sullivan Grace, the gymnast!

The weather hindered her true outfit, but going to school in just a leotard when there is snow on the ground just wasn't going to cut it!

Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter arrived in Indiana yesterday. The girls woke up to our first official snowfall and they couldn't have been any more excited.

Here is Quinn getting ready to head to the bus stop.  

She had a little extra pep in her step...

The small amount of snow that we got has all but melted.  But before it did the girls made sure they got out and rolled around in it and had some fun! With snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow, it looks like they will have another opportunity to have some wintery fun!

A Designer Among Us

Sullivan's school holds a design contest every year for the cover of their yearbook.  The paperwork came home last week for the contest and Sullivan was quick to start designing.

She contemplated for a while about what to draw and finally settled on a roadrunner, her school's mascot.  She made several attempts at drawing a roadrunner, but she didn't have much success.  Feeling defeated, she almost gave up on entering the design contest.

We discussed what other options she had, and being that it is Indiana's bicentennial this year, she decided to incorporate Indiana in her drawing.

Here is the amazing designer with her equally amazing cover...

Here is the cover up close...

I love how she put her school at the heart of Indiana!  

Now she has to wait to see if her design is picked or not.  Whether or not it is picked for the yearbook, Sullivan's design is already a winner in my eyes!

2016 Ornaments

I've had this year's ornaments bought for quite some time, but felt like I should probably wait until December to post them.  Here are the girls' ornaments for 2016....

Quinn

This signifies the amazing opportunity that Quinn got to train a dolphin this year at the zoo!

Quinn has taken a HUGE liking to Star Wars this year.  She loved the first movie she went to and can't wait for the next one to come out soon!

Sullivan

Sullivan had a huge milestone this year.  She lost her first tooth (and second, and third)!  I tried to find a tooth fairy ornament just like Quinn had a few years back, but the lady no longer makes them.  That meant that I had to take matters into my own hands!

This ornament signifies Sullivan's OBSESSION with rabbits.  She loves rabbits.  Not sure why, but she does.  So this ornament is very fitting for her.

Quinn and Sullivan 

Q and S are totally obsessed with emojis.  I know it's all the rage right now and Quinn and Sullivan are hook, line and sinker.

2016's picture ornaments...

Gosh darn, this year went fast. Lots of amazing memories, for sure!

Number 9

The tooth fairy has taken up permanent residence at the Pooley house lately.  Sullivan started the trend with her few lost teeth.  And this week Quinn joined in.  

It had been about a year and a half since she lost her last tooth, and in all honesty, I think Quinn forgot what losing a tooth was all about.  She asked me to pull it out, as it was wiggly and driving her crazy every time she ate.  I agreed to do it, but knew it might not be a simple task.  (Insert some nervousness and anxiety from a certain 10 year old).

With lots of determination and bravery, the tooth finally came out.  Now this sweet girl has a new smile....

The tooth fairy came and visited last night.  She left her usual $2 reward, folded into some type of origami pyramid and cube.  I have a feeling it won't be long at all before she is back to collect another Pooley tooth.